Xu Erwen of the Chinese consulate in Houston attended the World Cultural Economic Forum, May 3 and 4 in New Orleans where she met with Mayor Mitch Landrieu, U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany Jr., and Chinese-American community representatives. It was her first visit to the city and state since assuming the position in August....
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Greater New Orleans

Consul general of China in Houston meets with elected officials

Consul General Xu Erwen of the Chinese consulate in Houston attended the World Cultural Economic Forum, May 3 and 4 in New Orleans where she met with Mayor Mitch Landrieu, U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany Jr., and Chinese-American community representatives. It was her first visit to the city and state since assuming the position in August.

In partnership with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the city held the forum to draw attention to New Orleans’ cultural economy. The mayor welcomed leaders from cities around the country as well as delegates from several countries, including China, Israel, Lithuania and Georgia.

General Xu said that she was impressed by the cultural diversity and the cultural economy; as well as the beauty and hospitality of New Orleans.

“China and New Orleans, as well as Louisiana, have great opportunities to work together to grow a mutually beneficial cultural economy network. China also intends to develop a sustainable economy, and cultural economy is one of its focuses. The business of culture is important to employment, education, economic development, quality of life and community spirit,” Xu said.

In addition, Xu encourages further trading, banking and investment, as well as collaboration in the academic, high tech, environmental health and medical fields between China and the city, state and nation.

Xu met with David Lai, president; and Kewen Huang, ex-officio and board member, of the New Orleans Chinese Association; Jing Hu, principal of the Academy of Chinese Studies; Lucy Chun, president of the Louisiana Asian Chamber of Commerce; and Henry Liu, president of the Louisiana Chinese American Society; Li Li, second vice chair of the Asian-Pacific American Society.

She praised the accomplishments of the Chinese-Americans in the city and encouraged them to serve as citizen ambassadors to further develop the good relationship between the two nations.

“Chinese-Americans are encouraged to continue to pave the roads and build the bridges for future cooperation and joint ventures between the cities and states of China and the USA,” Xu said.

Xu is Houston’s 12th consul general of the People’s Republic of China.

After joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she served in many positions, including serving twice in the Chinese Embassy in the United States, 1996-2000 and 2007-11; and at the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom Great Britain and Northern Ireland, 1985-90.